The certificate reads: "In recognition of dedication to the preservation of life and health under emergency conditions and performing beyond the duties normally called for within the Emergency Medical Services profession."

William Roberts, president, also presented two awards to firefighter Patrick Taaffe, Firefighter of the Year -- The Sons of the American Revolution Fire Safety Commendation Award and the Award for Heroism.

Aug. 29, 2009, Taaffe responded on foot from Station No. 9 when a frantic parent ran to the station stating her child was in the water and in distress. He ran across A1A with the station's water rescue board, made water entry, and brought the victim back to shore without injury. In a separate incident in early September, he performed a water rescue of an adult swimmer caught in a rip current on the north side of the St. Augustine Inlet."